Leading 3D organizations merge

Combined International 3D Society & 3D@Home has members in 20 countries

In the world of 3D, maybe one is better than two.

The industry’s two top 3D organizations – the International 3D Society (I3DS) and the 3D@Home Consortium – are merging into a single association, effective immediately.

The move also merges the two orgs’ rosters, with the combined org — monikered the International 3D Society & 3D@Home — comprising members in 20 countries and chapters in North America, China, Japan, Korea, Europe and the U.K. Leadership at both orgs has ratified the merger

“This newly formed organization will serve to spearhead the growth and expansion of the 3D entertainment industry across the entire ecosystem – from content conception and development, to consumer education and adoption,” said Tom Cosgrove, co-chair of the combined org, who’s also prexy and CEO of 3net, the 3D channel co-venture of Discovery, Sony and Imax.

Dan Schinasi, the org’s other co-chair and senior TV planner at Samsung Electronics, believes 3D in-home consumption will be spurred by dropping prices in consumer electronics. “3D entertainment in the home has become an affordable proposition, with entry-level sets falling below $1,000,” he said. Schinasi added that new platforms such as 3D Blu-ray discs and 3D streaming of sports and entertainment channels will contribute to the growth of the 3D medium.

“From supporting content creators to educating consumers, our two groups have distinguished themselves in providing neutral, non-branded information,” said Jim Mainard, past chair at I3DS and head of digital strategy at DreamWorks Animation. “Their combined power and scope will maximize our ability to steadily grow 3D across countless media platforms in education.”

I3DS topper Jim Chabin will lead the new org, whose membership includes more than 60 companies and 500 individuals. Studio and TV members include Disney, DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Pixar, ESPN, Turner Broadcasting, BSkyB and National Geographic Cinema Ventures.